Minnesota transportation officials launch pedestrian safety campaign

ST. PAUL — State transportation officials have launched a campaign to make Minnesota's streets and roads safer for pedestrians.

They say October is a dangerous month for pedestrians as dusk arrives earlier. Two dozen pedestrians have died in Minnesota so far this year.

Safety experts hope a campaign of billboards, radio and bus ads and banners at busy intersections in the Twin Cities, Duluth, St. Cloud and Rochester will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.

Minnesota Public Radio News says transportation officials are targeting both drivers and pedestrians with safety messages. State traffic engineer Sue Groth says too many pedestrians aren't paying attention, or are crossing against the light or away from the crosswalk. Groth says some motorists aren't yielding to pedestrians even when they're in the crosswalk.